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Growing rose bushes in containers allows a gardener to control the quality of the soil. They also can be placed wherever the gardener desires. They do well in areas with limited space; and they are easier to access for those with physical limitations. Like all plants in containers, rose bushes need extra care. In colder regions, roses in containers need to be placed directly in the ground to stay warm during the winter. However, in areas with mild winter weather, roses can be moved into storage to protect the bushes from excess rainfall, hailstorms and cold snaps.

Stop feeding the rose bushes six weeks before winter weather sets in, so they won't put on new growth. New growth is extremely vulnerable to winter damage. The lack of fertilizer encourages rose bushes to go dormant for the winter. At the same time, stop cutting dying blossoms so the rose hips will form. This tells the rose bush that it is getting close to the time for it to go dormant.

Move the rose bush containers into an unheated, frost-free area. A shed, garage or covered patio works well. Keep the containers watered, but do not give them as much as you did during the summer. Let the soil dry out between watering. Water- stressed plants do not survive winter storage as well as plants that aren't overwatered.

Pack moss or straw into the top of the container. This helps keep the roots at a consistent temperature and prevents the plant from awakening before spring. Prune the rose bush back with pruners so all the upright stems are around 36-inches tall. Tree rose bushes just need their canopy cut back, not the trunk.

Place the rose container in a plastic garbage bag, and tie the top loosely around the stem. This conserves moisture around the roots. Store the rose bush containers out of direct sunlight, which can warm the plants enough to break out of their dormant stage. Remove the plastic and moss in the spring. Give the containers a good soaking and set them back in their normal location.

Things You Will Need

Moss

Pruners

Plastic garbage bags

Warning

Do not plant extra large varieties of rose bushes in containers. Large climbing roses are not suitable for growing in containers.

About the Author

Karen Carter spent three years as a technology specialist in the public school system and her writing has appeared in the "Willapa Harbor Herald" and the "Rogue College Byline." She has an Associate of Arts from Rogue Community College with a certificate in computer information systems.

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Carter, Karen. "How to Store Rose Bushes in a Container in the Winter." Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/store-rose-bushes-container-winter-21557.html. 14 December 2018.

Carter, Karen. (2018, December 14). How to Store Rose Bushes in a Container in the Winter. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/store-rose-bushes-container-winter-21557.html

Carter, Karen. "How to Store Rose Bushes in a Container in the Winter" last modified December 14, 2018. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/store-rose-bushes-container-winter-21557.html

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